Fequently Asked Questions About the Greater Wellsville Annual Trout Derby
What is the Trout Derby?
For over three decades, the Wellsville Lions Club has been conducting and hosting the Greater Wellsville Area Trout Derby. Each Spring brings with it the traditional trout stocking and fishing of the upper Genesee River. To coincide with this popular pastime, the Lions started the annual Trout Derby. The derby consists of 450 trout stocked immediately before the beginning of the Derby. The trout are tagged with numbered tags from 1 to 450. Fishermen who catch a tagged trout are eligible for the cash prize associated with that tag number.
How much are the tagged fish worth?
Each year is different as it all depends on what our fish sponsors designate for their cash prizes. Each fish is worth a minimum of $25. Sponsors often pledge prizes for multiple fish with many fish worth well over $25. Some are worth $50, some $100, some $500 and there is always at least one fish that is worth $1000! In 2024, there were almost $50,000.00 in cash prizes available for the lucky fishermen!
What is the Community Fish?
The Community Fish is always fish number one. Community Fish raffle tickets are sold for $1 each right up until the drawing which takes place at the end of the derby. The total value of the Community Fish is equal to the number of tickets sold. In 2024, the Community Fish was worth $6710.00. If he Community Fish is caught, the lucky fisherman is awarded half of the prize money. The other half of the prize money goes to the lucky person whose ticket is picked in the drawing at the end of the derby. If the Community Fish is not caught, the drawing is still held with the winner receiving half of the money. The other half goes into the Lions Trout Derby profits, which helps them to fund the many projects that benefit the surrounding communities.
Who can fish in the contest?
Anyone can participate in the Trout Derby contest. All participants must comply with the NYS fishing regulations and anyone 16 years or older must possess a valid NYS fishing license.
What is the cost to participate in the Derby?
The registration fee is $15 for early registration. Beginning on April 1st, the fee is $20. Everyone who wishes to fish and claim a prize must be registered before they begin fishing. A numbered badge is issued to each registered contestant.
How do I register for the event?
There are several ways to register. You can register in person at the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce or the Wellsville Runnings Store. You can download and complete the registration form and mail it in with your check. Or, you can purchase your registration, tickets for Saturday’s Chicken BBQ and Community Fish tickets all on this website using a credit or debit card. Just visit our Registration Page to register and purchase tickets.
Am I required to pre-register for the event?
No. You may register at any time during the event at Trout Derby Headquarters as long as you do so before you begin fishing.
If I pre-register, how do I get my registration packet?
All registration packets will be available at the registration desk in Trout Derby Headquarters for those who have pre-registered. Packets will include the registrant’s Trout Derby badge and any tickets that they have purchased. You may pick up your registration packets at any time after noon on Friday, April 25th.
Where is Trout Derby Headquarters?
The Derby HQ is located in the main pavilion in Wellsville’s Island Park. Island Park is located on the west side of State Route 19 in the village. The entrance road is West Dyke Street just across Rte 19 from North Main Lumber. The HQ is enclosed in tarps and there is a very obvious Trout Derby Headquarters sign on the structure.
When is Trout Derby HQ open?
Headquarters will open on Friday, April 25th at noon and will be open until approximately 7pm. On Saturday, HQ will be open from 5am to 6pm. On Sunday, HQ will be open from 5am to 3pm.
Will there be food available?
Yes, the Wellsville Elks Lodge will be having a chicken BBQ in the pavilion adjacent to Derby HQ on Saturday from approximately noon until 2pm. Tickets for the BBQ are $15 each, and it is recommended that you purchase your tickets early as they are generally sold out before the event begins.
In addition, the Lions will be running their food service in Derby HQ to provide breakfast and lunch. The kitchen will be operating on Friday, noon to closing, Saturday 5am to 6pm and Sunday 5am to 2pm. A menu with food and drink prices will be posted in Derby HQ.
How do I get my prize money if I catch a tagged fish?
Tagged fish must be presented alive to the fish recorders in Trout Derby HQ. The fish recorders will confirm the fish number, the contestant’s badge number and fishing license. The contestant will be provided with a claim sheet which can be delivered to the registration desk where a check will be issued for the amount the fish was worth. NOTE: plastic bags are available at the registration desk to keep your fish alive in water until delivered to Derby HQ for recording.
How do we know how many fish have been caught and what is still available?
Just inside the main door of Derby HQ is the big Fish Board. This board shows each fish by number, who sponsored the fish and how much each fish is worth. As the Derby progresses, the fisherman’s name is added to each fish that is caught. So, you can always tell which fish have been caught and how many are left. In addition, the value of the community fish is posted often as the raffle sales continue.
Where are the fish stocked?
The tagged trout will be stocked from the Wellsville Country Club bridge just north of the State Rte 417 bridge by Tops, south to the bridge on Jack Bridge Road. Trout will be stocked at various locations between these two locations.
How many fish can I catch?
If you return your fish in live condition to the river, there is no limit. If you keep your fish, you must comply with the limits set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Are there restrooms available?
You will find porta-johns at most of the fishing access points and at Derby Headquarters.
Where can I camp?
There is ample room for campers next to the river south of the entrance to Island Park. Tents can be set up in Island Park, but vehicles cannot leave the pavement and fires are not allowed in the park, except in the standing BBQ fixtures. There are no fees for camping, but camps may not be set up prior to 6am on April 25th.
